Claddagh Rings

Fainne Chladaigh, is an Irish name for Claddagh ring, which symbolizes love between two lovers. It can be worn as an engagement as well as a wedding ring. The ring got its name due to its specific design and customs, a tradition which started in the Irish Fishing village of Claddagh, near the city of Galway.

All the Claddagh rings have a distinctive design pattern, including two hands clasping a heart, surmounted by a crown. According to the Irish tradition, these symbols represent friendship (the hands), love (the heart) and loyalty (the crown). This ring can be worn by couples as well as by the singles. The way it is worn also gives a distinct message. A very sophisticated sign language has developed around these wonderful rings.

When, you see a person wearing a Claddagh ring in the right hand, with the heart facing outwardly, know it for sure that the person is not engaged and is searching for love. When the ring is worn with the heart inside, then it means that the person has found love and his heart is filled with it. Again this is an indication of love only, with no commitment... But dear reader, you should also be certain before you decipher this sign language, that the wearer is either Irish, or knows the tradition that goes behind these rings.

When this ring is worn in the left hand, with the heart facing outward, it is an indicator of a person's engaged status. When worn in the left hand with the heart facing inward, it indicates that a person is finally married. The tradition of Claddagh rings may be traced back to the Roman times. Many legends and stories tried to unleash the secret regarding the origin of this ring. But according to the experts on rings and Irish tradition, Claddah rings were not part of the Irish tradition, though during the later stages, they came to symbolize the Irish pride. These rings are just like the family jewelery, and as heirloom, they pass on to from generation to generation symbolizing, love affection and loyalty towards the lover.